The Conservation and Restoration of Riparian Forests along Caribbean Riverbanks Using Legume Trees

In the actual context of global change and biodiversity depletion, soil bioengineering represents an important tool for riparian ecosystem restoration species conservation. Various techniques have already been implemented, but their adaptation still must be carried out in Caribbean Islands hotspots, where suitable remains unknown. Nitrogen-fixing legumes are particularly relevant ecological diversity native legume trees is promising search bioengineering. We hypothesized that tree present a growth performance set biotechnical traits compatible with use selected five trees, adapted to environments, different ecosystems (swamp forest, evergreen seasonal rainforest) based on ecology, resistance disturbance seed production characteristics. measured root nursery grown 3-month-old seedlings. Despite differences sensitivity herbivory strategies, high potential bioengineering, production, germination rates—from 88 100%—, 100% survival rates, therefore large scale plant material production. provided practical guidance tools integration into techniques.